11th Annual Power of the Purse
On May 1, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy participated in the 11th Annual Power of the Purse held at Pear Tree Estates. This significant yearly fundraiser, organized by the United Way through its Women United group, harnesses the generosity of attendees via engaging silent and live auctions specifically […]
New Episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast Focuses on IDOT’s Prospect Avenue Project
In her latest podcast, Mayor Feinen talks with Planning and Development Director Bruce Knight and Public Works Director Terry Lusby, Jr. to share more details about IDOT’s proposed changes to Prospect Avenue, including a “road diet”, the addition of bike lanes, and ADA accessibility improvements. Watch the video or listen to the audio podcast.
City of Champaign Announces Appointment of New Deputy City Manager
Today, City Manager Joan Walls announced that she has appointed Christopher Walton to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Deputy City Manager. Mr. Walton has more than ten years of municipal government experience and will assume this new leadership role on June 2, 2025. Mr. Walton currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for […]
New Mayor Feinen Podcast Features the Downtown Plan Update
In the latest episode of The Mayor Feinen Podcast, Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen sat down with Senior Planner Eric VanBuskirk to discuss the ongoing update to Champaign’s Downtown Plan. With the last plan dating back to 2006, this revision aims to address Champaign’s evolving needs.VanBuskirk shares insights into the extensive community engagement efforts, including surveys […]
LIFT Black History Month
On Monday, February 19, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls, accompanied by Community Relations Manager, Tracy Parsons and Community Relations Specialist, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department, attended the LIFT Black History Month event at Neil St. Blues Champaign County Clerk, Aaron Ammons, delivered an informative presentation on the complex process of expungement. This […]
CPD Year in Review Video
Earlier this month, the Champaign Police Department shared their 2024 year-end statistics and accomplishments with our community. To better highlight this information, the Communications Division and Police Department worked collaboratively to write a script, gather visual content, and produce a year-in-review video for residents. The final product told CPD’s great story about recruitment, proactive public […]
Presentations Made to University of Illinois Environmental Leadership Program
On January 17, 2025, Council Member Kathy Shannon and Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton presented at the Environmental Leadership Program at the University of Illinois. Council Member Shannon spoke about her experiences as a City Council member, provided suggestions on how residents can advocate more effectively, and explained how the City’s land use policy can have […]
2025 MLK Jr. Countywide Celebration
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, the community came together to commemorate the annual Countywide Celebration honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The two-hour event celebrated several remarkable individuals, including students who received scholarships, Pastor E. Shelby for his 40 years of service in organizing and planning the event, and Chancellor Robert J. Jones, recognized […]
Joan Walls Sworn In as New City Manager
During the December 17, 2024, City Council meeting, Joan Walls took the oath of office to serve as the City’s new City Manager effective December 21, 2024. The City congratulates Ms. Walls on her promotion! Residents can watch the swearing-in ceremony on the City’s website.
City Manager Dorothy Ann David Retiring After 30 Years of Dedicated Service
Dorothy Ann David will retire from the City of Champaign on December 20, 2024, after more than 30 years of service, including eleven as City Manager. Ms. David was honored with a Council Proclamation and other honors during the December 17, 2024. The City congratulates and thanks Ms. David for her long and impactful service […]